The Lemon Index

All cars · Chevrolet Impala · 2012

2012 Chevrolet Impala. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index57100 = average car
Complaints108NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold169,351U.S. model year
Per 100K sold64complaints
Year rank#5 of 20#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 1

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
3.6L 6-cylAuto 6-spdFWD18 / 29 / 22Regular$2,850

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 28,400 and 85,900 miles. Median 48,500, from 204 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Electrical55,00036,000–85,00039
Stability control72,00048,500–95,70049
Steering57,50033,100–95,00044
Engine40,00020,000–88,00035
Brakes51,60034,000–86,80027

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Electrical25%
Steering21%
Engine19%
Transmission & drivetrain13%
Brakes13%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
2582051209

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 3

  • 14V355000 Jun 2014 Electrical System / Ignition

    Defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may caus

    Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

    Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

  • 12V377000 Aug 2012 Suspension / Front / Control Arm / Lower Arm

    Defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.

    Risk. A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 21, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

  • 11V398000 Aug 2011 Steering / Hydraulic Power Assist / Hose, Piping, And Connections

    Defect. GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 19, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE UPPER POWER STEERING HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN MISROUTED SO THAT IT CAN COME IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AND/OR CONTACT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WITH THE ENGINE ON, HEAT FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MAY MELT THE POWER STEERING HOSE.

    Risk. POWER STEERING FLUID COULD FLOW ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.

    Remedy. GM DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO ENSURE THAT THE UPPER POWER STEERING HOSE IS ROUTED CORRECTLY AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Manufacturer communications 1472

Chevy filed 1472 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Various electrical issues regarding ses light on and vehicle failing to start
  • Reservoir for power steering fluid is heat damaged and leaking
  • See document search button for owner letter

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Chevrolet Impala 4 DR FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
200973110165,565Brakes
20104078172,078Engine
2011123253171,434Seats
201257108169,351Electrical
201367135156,797Stability control
2014107173140,280Electrical
20156783116,825Electrical

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data